Juneau Commission on Sustainability
The Duties of JCOS
To coordinate, propose, and promote sustainability initiatives among residents, businesses, government, and non-governmental agencies and educational organizations through education and outreach programs.
To make recommendations to the Juneau Assembly and CBJ Boards and Commissions on policies and programs that promote sustainability.
To research and apply for grants or other funds or gifts from public or private agencies for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions or purposes of this resolution.
To serve as an advisory group to the CBJ in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to target levels as adopted by the CBJ Assembly.
To act as liaison between the public and the CBJ Assembly on sustainability related issues.
Previous Meeting
Juneau Commission on Sustainability Meetings
History, Mission and Members
The Assembly created the Juneau Commission on Sustainability (JCOS) in 2007, with the current governing directives found in Resolution 2755. The mission of the JCOS is to promote the economic, social, environmental, and governmental well-being of Juneau and all its inhabitants, now and in the future.
The 9-member commission consists of nine public members, appointed by the Assembly, plus one member of the Assembly, and one Planning Commissioner.
The current Commissioners are:
Gretchen Keiser, Chair
Steve Behnke
Duff Mitchell
James Powell
David Teal
Marian Call
Jessie Barker
Nick Waldo
Laura Achee
Nina Keller, Planning Commission Liaison
Maria Gladziszewski, Assembly Liaison
The CBJ Staff Liaison is Denise Koch, Deputy Director of the Engineering & Public Works Department. Direct all inquiries about JCOS to her at 907.586.0800 ext. 4182
Energy Use in Juneau
The majority of Juneau’s energy comes from fossil fuels; however, almost all of Juneau’s electricity is produced by hydropower, a renewable resource.
Juneau has recognized that continued dependence upon fossil fuels is not desirable. As a result, the CBJ has developed a Climate Action Plan and the Juneau Renewable Energy Strategy (JRES). The Assembly supported these actions through Resolution 2593 and Resolution 2808.
The Juneau Renewable Energy Strategy
In February 2018, the CBJ Assembly adopted the JRES through Resolution 2808. The JRES recommends four primary strategies to achieve the 80% renewable energy goal. These include:
- CBJ Energy Management: Implement a CBJ energy management program to make the organization a leader in energy efficiency and adoption of renewable energy.
- Heating: Reduce Juneau’s dependence on fossil fuels for space heating.
- Transportation and Electric Vehicles: Reduce Juneau’s dependence on fossil fuels for transportation.
- Renewable Energy Supply: Support efforts to provide new renewable energy supplies for Juneau.
CBJ Energy Management
The CBJ spends about $8 million per year on energy. Adopting a formal energy management program, including tracking energy use and costs, implementing energy efficiency best